I use the Gatineau wood joints as shown in the pictures below. He uses a rebate all around three sides: left, right and upper (as a frame rest). The rebate has the size of the wall thickness.http://immenfreunde.de/pics/2_8_2012/b6.jpg

This sort of joint produces a strong connection between the walls. With Warré boxes with nailed topbars the use of those rebates are not necessary. Because the nailed topbars stabilizes the box. But the joint Gatineau uses has another advantage: it hides the facewood which provides protection against rotting and weather.

I use an handle assembly jig to position and screw the handles. Works like a charm.

It's a small board measuring 11,5 cm by 35 cm (varies with hive wall thickness). It has a small wooden batten which works as a catch. The slat is 2,5 cm x 2,5 cm x 35 cm. (for Gatineau-hive boxes. 21,5 cm height, about 0,5 cm higher than the original Warré box. Beespace! You might be adjusted to your box dimensions.)

An alternative for lashing straps are spring steel clips which connect the hive boxes to each other. An advantage over the lashing straps is, that you leave some boxes connected while splitting others.

Did some measuring to ensure the clip screws are on the same positions on every box to be able to interchange boxes. I transfered the measures onto the jig I use for the handles.http://immenfreunde.de/pics/30_3_2013/b2.jpg

Quite the assembly process. How many warre are you managing versus selling boxes?

04-02-2013, 02:05 AM

BernhardHeuvel

Re: Assembling Warré hive boxes

I don't sell boxes. :no: Use them all myself.

04-09-2013, 05:33 PM

Ravenzero

Re: Assembling Warré hive boxes

Are the holes used to see if the bees are building down? Or is it for alternative entrances?

04-09-2013, 10:24 PM

AkDan

Re: Assembling Warré hive boxes

I'm curious, do you need to lash/strap them together?

thanks for posting!

04-10-2013, 02:50 AM

BernhardHeuvel

Re: Assembling Warré hive boxes

Alternative entrances. Opened in a strong flow, as a bee escape, winter ventilation, peeking through...I find them most useful.

As for the lashing: not needed if stationary and protected from wind. If migratory, go for the spring steel clamps. An alternative for lashing straps are spring steel clips which connect the hive boxes to each other. An advantage over the lashing straps is, that you leave some boxes connected while splitting others. See pictures above.